Labels

Consumers are willing to pay more for products that are healthier, better for the environment and/or decrease the suffering of animals. The multi-billion dollar food industry is capitalizing on this concern with confusing and often times deceptive labels.

Most labels address only the conditions under which the animals are raised and are not subject to verification or enforcement by any agency. The "organic" label is the notable exception. The "organic" label evolved after several years of hearings and deliberations and is enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). A few other labels are provided by trade associations or other private groups with varying degrees of enforcement.

It is important to note that designations with this symbol have NO direct impact on animal welfare.

Kosher and Halal labels refer to the slaughter process. The labels here only cover how animals are raised. They do NOT change how animals are transported or slaughtered. See more about animal transportation and slaughter on the Problems and Solutions page.

Loophole - A way of escaping a difficulty, especially an omission or ambiguity in the wording of a contract or law that provides a means of evading compliance.

Organic - regulated by USDA. (2)

Under USDA's National Organic Program (NOP), organic producers meet the following guidelines:

Animals must be raised under organic management from the last third of gestation, or not later than the 2nd day of life for birds. Producers are required to use feeds that are 100 percent organic, but may also include vitamin and mineral supplements.

Animals may not be given hormones to promote growth or antibiotics for any reason. Preventive management practices, including the use of vaccines, may be used to keep animals healthy. Producers are prohibited from withholding treatment from a sick or injured animal; however, animals treated with medication may not be sold as organic.

All organically-raised animals must have bedding and access to the outdoors, including access to pasture for cattle and other ruminants. They may be temporarily confined only for reasons of health, safety, the animal’s stage of production, or to protect soil or water quality.

• Male chicks of chickens raised for eggs are smothered in plastic garbage bags upon hatching since they will be unable to lay eggs and are therefore not profitable.

• Allows chickens raised for meat to be kept in continual lighting, which does not allow rest and forces continual eating. The result is chickens grow at faster rates and many develop skeletal problems.

• Access to outdoors, does not require that animals actually get to spend time outdoors.

• Allows dairy cows to be tied to stalls so they cannot move freely.

• Some of NOP's certifying agents have permitted chicken producers to use the rule allowing temporary confinement to keep birds confined indoors most or all of the time.

• Some large organic dairies have been allowed to house cows without access to pasture.

Free-Range, Free-Roaming - regulated by USDA - only for birds

Animals have access to the outdoors.

• Male chicks of chickens raised for eggs are smothered in plastic garbage bags upon hatching since they will be unable to lay eggs and therefore not profitable.

• The label is not regulated for cows, pigs, sheep, or goats.

• The amount of space or time outdoor and stocking density (crowding) are not regulated for any animals. Some producers have a small outside space added on the buildings that house tens of thousands of chickens, but only a few birds can access it.

Cage-Free - not regulated

Applies to eggs from chickens who are not kept in cages.

• Male chicks of chickens raised for eggs are smothered in plastic garbage bags upon hatching since they will be unable to lay eggs and are therefore not profitable.

• Outdoor access and stocking density (crowding) are not regulated.

Pastured - not regulated

Refers to a modified free-range system whereby birds are raised on pasture and provided shelter that can be moved by hand or tractor. Chickens can get up to 20% of feed from pasture forage in these systems.

• Male chicks of chickens raised for eggs are smothered in plastic garbage bags upon hatching since they will be unable to lay eggs and are therefore not profitable.

Grass-Fed - to be regulated by USDA - does not reduce animal suffering

Cattle must be fed grass instead of grains and soybeans.

• Cows may be confined and grass-fed. Label does not equate to grazing in a pasture. The label may include in small print "grain-finished," indicating that the cow spent some time confined in a feedlot.

No Antibiotics - regulated by USDA - does not reduce animal suffering

USDA does not permit the use of antibiotics.

• Sick animals may not receive needed treatment because they will lose this certification.

No Hormones - regulated by USDA for bird feed - does not reduce animal suffering

USDA does not permit the use of hormones for birds or pigs.

• If the label is in products from birds or pigs, it is misleading as it is already the law.

• If the label is used on other animal products, it is not regulated.

Natural - to be regulated by USDA - does not reduce animal suffering

Refers to a product that contains no artificial ingredients or colorings and is only minimally processed. The label must explain the type of processing used.

• May contain hormones and/or antibiotics.

Certified Humane - developed and regulated jointly by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)

• Male chicks of chickens raised for eggs are smothered in plastic garbage bags upon hatching.

• There is no requirement that pigs or chickens have access to the outdoors.

• Chickens may be debeaked and pigs may have their tails cut-off (both without painkillers).

American Humane Certified - (formerly Free Farmed) developed and regulated by the American Humane Association (AHA)

Egg-laying hens must not be cage. Animals must have access to food and water.

• Fee-based service calls impartiality into doubt.

• Most factory farming practices may be acceptable. Requirements are vague. Details are not provided.

• Male chicks of chickens raised for eggs are still smothered in plastic garbage bags upon hatching.

• There is no requirement that pigs or chickens have access to the outdoors.

• Chickens may be debeaked and pigs may have their tails cut-off (both without painkillers).

References

1.Organic Production and Handling Standards
2. Lydia Oberholtzer, Catherine Greene, and Enrique Lopez. “Organic Poultry and Eggs Capture High Price Premiums and Growing Share of Specialty Markets,” Outlook Report, a publication of the Economic Research Service, USDA, December 2006.